Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) has been telling stories of freedom, identity, perseverance, and human dignity for more than 40 years. The mission of the NCSML is to inspire people from every background to connect to Czech and Slovak history and culture. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2008, the NCSML received the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Today, the NCSML is more than just an ethnic museum. It is a place that celebrates life, encourages self-discovery, and asks what it means to be free.

The President & CEO will serve as the NCSML’s chief advocate and ambassador, responsible for maintaining and growing a local, national, and international network of supporters, donors, and partners to advance the museum’s reputation and goals. Reporting to the board of trustees, the President & CEO will provide leadership and vision to introduce the universal human experience and aspirations of Czechs and Slovaks to a wider and generationally diverse audience in contemporary ways. Simultaneously, this individual will preserve the museum’s core identity and cultural relevance. Balancing the dual role of a national museum with a deep community engagement in Cedar Rapids, the President & CEO will be instrumental in shaping the dialogue on the organization’s strategic development in response to the evolving role of museums in today’s society.

The President & CEO will provide direction and assistance to the board in carrying out its governance functions. This individual will assume overall responsibility for managing the NCSML’s human and financial resources as well as facilitating all aspects of its strategic planning, programming, community outreach, and operations. Significant national and international travel will be required to develop and enhance relationships with Czech and Slovak Americans, embassy officials, and key stakeholders in both the Czech and Slovak Republics.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Enhancement

Lead the board and staff in fundraising activities and develop effective donor stewardship and cultivation methods.

Take a hands-on leadership role in growing all potential sources of contributed income, including memberships, major gifts, special projects, corporate sponsorships, grants, and government support.

Manage a portfolio of major local and national donors and meet a significant personal annual budget goal.

Steward existing partnerships and develop new opportunities to maximize earned revenue from admissions, the museum store, rentals, and public events.

Strategic Planning

Following the current 2015-2020 strategic plan, lead the NCSML through an inclusive strategic planning process, working with the board, staff, and community stakeholders to develop a clear vision for the museum’s reach, programming, and partnership opportunities in the future.

Take a hands-on leadership role in growing all potential sources of contributed income, including memberships, major gifts, special projects, corporate sponsorships, grants, and government support.

Lead the NCSML in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programming activities in support of its strategic objectives, including exhibit planning, partnerships, educational and community initiatives, and the selection of artistic collaborators—balancing programming goals with marketability and financial resources.

Develop strategic partnerships for educational programming and extend opportunities for community outreach, accessibility, and learning that further the mission, vision, and impact of the NCSML.

Brand Advancement

Guide and actively advance the public image and visibility of the NCSML.

Act as a primary spokesperson for the NCSML and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and supporters.

Steward the NCSML’s brand and communicate the museum’s work in a manner that enhances its reputation and standing in the community, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Governance

Maintain effective communication with the Board President, board of trustees, staff, volunteers, and members of the National Advisory Council.

Engage board members to maximize their participation and contribution toward NCSML success.

Support the board in trustee prospect identification, cultivation, and recruitment.

Advise the board and its committees on matters within the President & CEO’s scope of responsibility to promote the efficient operation of the museum and to ensure the delivery of NCSML priorities as outlined in the strategic plan.

Operations

Oversee administrative personnel relations so that the organization is effectively structured and staffed.

Ensure the highest levels of customer service and effective visitor interaction.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The next NCSML President & CEO will be a resilient leader and visionary. Inspired by the Czech and Slovak experience, this individual will be excited by the opportunities to broaden the museum’s audiences, generational reach, and network of partners with shared values of the American experience, while staying true to the NCSML’s core mission. The President & CEO will be an exceptional relationship builder and self-starter, with natural political savvy, eloquence, and a genuine ability to connect with a wide range of constituents. These include community volunteers, K through 12 students, movers and shakers in the business community, donors, ambassadors, and high-level supporters. An approachable, innovative, and hands-on manager, this individual will respect the past but will not feel constrained by it. The President & CEO will be forward-looking and entrepreneurial, with keen business acumen and strong people skills to deliver results through patience, perseverance, and team building. The selected individual will bring energy, passion, integrity, and a big-picture mindset.

Other key competencies include:

Interpersonal Skills – Effectively communicates, builds rapport, and relates well to all kinds of people.

Persuasion – Convinces others to change the way they think, believe, or behave.

Customer Focus – Consistently places a high value on the NCSML’s extensive network of internal and external stakeholders, with a keen focus on listening to, understanding, and appreciating feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree (master’s degree in a related area preferred) plus a minimum of seven to 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience are required. Museum background and/or experience in an organization with a national or international scope is advantageous. Demonstrated understanding and ability to build a strong fundraising and stewardship program, including endowment development, are required. Candidates should possess a command of running a nonprofit organization, including financial management, staff development, operations, and community outreach. Candidates should also demonstrate outstanding presentation, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. A genuine interest in and familiarity with Czech and Slovak history, culture, and current affairs are preferred in order to establish rapport and effectively engage with key NCSML donors, supporters, and advocates.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The NCSML provides a standard benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and holidays, and competitive compensation for an organization its size.